Violence, Protests Overshadow Second Phase Of PoK Assembly Elections; Video Shows Tense Scenes
· Free Press Journal
The second phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) was held on Sunday amid heightened tensions, as fresh clashes between protesters and security forces threatened to overshadow the electoral process.
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Videos circulating on social media from Muzaffarabad show burnt vehicles, roads strewn with rocks and debris, and a heavy deployment of police, paramilitary personnel and army troops following violent confrontations in parts of the region.
Viral Video Captures Aftermath Of Fresh Clashes
The widely shared footage shows damaged streets littered with rubble, overturned and charred vehicles, and crowds gathered amid a tense security presence.
#WATCH | Residents of Muzaffrabad, PoJK, expressed concern over fresh violence in the region that might overshadow the election. Parts of PoJK will head to the polls on Sunday (August 2), in the second of three rounds of elections that have turned violent this week.
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2026
Burnt-out… pic.twitter.com/wI1ScGUEDy
The visuals, reportedly recorded after clashes between demonstrators and security personnel, reflect the volatile atmosphere in the region as voting got underway.
Second Phase Of Three-Stage Elections
Sunday's polling marks the second phase of elections for the 45 directly elected seats in the 53-member Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The elections are being conducted in three phases after authorities cited security concerns. However, the electoral exercise has unfolded against the backdrop of prolonged political unrest and public protests.
Protests Continue Over Reserved Seats
The elections have been overshadowed by nearly two months of demonstrations led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
The protesters have demanded the abolition of 12 reserved assembly seats allocated to Kashmiri refugees residing elsewhere in Pakistan. They have also called for wider governance reforms and measures to address economic grievances.
Opposition groups have additionally raised allegations of election irregularities and criticised the security crackdown on demonstrators.
Video: Military Helicopter Crash Near Muzaffarabad Leaves No SurvivorsHeavy Security Across Muzaffarabad
Residents of Muzaffarabad reported an increased presence of police, paramilitary forces and army personnel across several parts of the city ahead of polling.
Local reports said roads were blocked with rocks following clashes, while damaged vehicles and signs of violence remained visible in multiple areas, adding to concerns that unrest could dominate the election process.
Despite the tense atmosphere, polling continued under tight security as authorities sought to maintain order.